Some Serious Shit

[Voodoo]

As many of you may know, I work as a chief information officer for a non-profit foster care agency. Next week and for the following three weeks, I will be part of a team that will be closing down our Miami branches due to deep cuts in the social programs of Florida.

As a result of these happenings, one of our managers at the branch decided to take her own life. I've already briefed my team that is going with me that we are arriving upon the gates of hell and this recent event has just drove it home for all of us. This manager was a colleague of mine but also a close friend. May she find the peace she wasn't able to.

I share this with you because I've known many of you for years and consider this community to be akin to my close friends.

[Kagger]

My thoughts are prayers are with you and her family, and those going to that branch. My mother who was in foster care so this kinda thing hits home. My mom's first foster mom effectively became my grandmother in all senses but legal.

[Blue]

So sorry to hear that Voodoo. For what it's worth I'll be keeping everyone going through this in my thoughts.

[DoctorFinger]

I can't imagine. Be strong for them Voodoo.

[violent]

I hate to hear it dude.

[rvieira]

Good souls should not be going away like this... I will say a prayer for her tonight.

[LongStepMantis]

So sorry for the loss. :(

It's always sad to hear of someone taking their own life. You always wish you could have done something to help, say something to them to avert it...but many times suicides don't make their pain obvious until it's too late. I know this from experience.

May she rest in peace, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and with you.

[Voodoo]

Thanks.

When businesses close down like this there is always the passing thought of something like this happening or an ex-employee or soon-to-be-ex coming in and shooting the place up. These events actually taking place and thinking about them in passing are severely different. I've worked in several environments where death was just an mistake away, especially when I worked on an oil drilling platform. But an event happening like this only comes from the most desperate of situations and I don't doubt there will be others in the 75 employees we'll be working with that are finding themselves within a similar puzzle box.

Tomorrow's work day will be a most interesting one. :(

Several good things about this trip is that I'll be able to hang with violent, see old friends of mine from when I grew up down there and visit the priest that trained me. :)

[LarsenNET]

Wow, really sad. Prayers for all.

[fitbabits]

Ugh... I'm so sorry, Voodoo... My thoughts and prayers, for what it's worth, are with you and those affected by this tragedy.

[rein]

I lost a family member to suicide less than a year ago. It was my sister and she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the day she took her life. My mother passed away with pancreatic cancer a few years before and it was one of the worst things to see someone suffer through. It got to a point that I hated visiting my own mother because it was so hard to see her in that condition. Even with that knowledge and knowing why my sister probably felt suicide was her only option, I can't comprehend how someone can take their own life.

I sympathize with you, your co-workers and the associates family and friends. It's a confusing and sad time and something that will never be understood.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the tragedy of losing a co-worker and dealing with the unfortunate task of closing down foster care branches. Truly a sad situation all of the way around.

[LarsenNET]

I lost a family member to suicide less than a year ago. It was my sister and she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the day she took her life. My mother passed away with pancreatic cancer a few years before and it was one of the worst things to see someone suffer through. It got to a point that I hated visiting my own mother because it was so hard to see her in that condition. Even with that knowledge and knowing why my sister probably felt suicide was her only option, I can't comprehend how someone can take their own life.

I sympathize with you, your co-workers and the associates family and friends. It's a confusing and sad time and something that will never be understood.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the tragedy of losing a co-worker and dealing with the unfortunate task of closing down foster care branches. Truly a sad situation all of the way around.

Really sorry to hear that. How often are you getting tested?

[rein]

Really sorry to hear that. How often are you getting tested?

Pretty much not. I did recently find a new doctor and she did invite me to schedule a full physical so I will be getting the full treatment soon. I'm not concerned about cancer, my biggest concern will be diabetes since I tend to get drunk on M&M's. I'm still not sure how to feel about being invited to schedule a full physical by a hot doctor though. This could be either one of the best, or worst experiences of my life. ;)

[LarsenNET]

I'm not concerned about cancer

Why not, is it only the females that get it? My wife is an OR nurse and said that is a bad cancer because you may not have any symptoms until it's to late (maybe some indigestion). Not something to mess with.

[wyeast]

Yeah, pancreatic is a harsh one. :( Sorry to hear about your coworkers, voodoo. :(

[Shadowstorm]

Ouch.

I'm so sorry to hear that, Voodoo.

[Mastergeo7]

I'm so sorry Voodoo.
Be strong and keep it up :)

[civil]

Man Voodoo, I am so sorry. I hope her friends and family are finding the support they need, including yourself my friend.

Have fun with the Cubano. Sorrow aside, that is going to be one hell of a time.

[Kielaran]

Wow Voodoo, that's harsh. I can't imagine being in that situation even after watching a family member repeat self destructive behavior again and again. My thought and prayer are with you, her and her family. Good luck with work, I'm sure you'll need it. :(

[Telefrog]

Voodoo, I sincerely hope you and your co-workers are able to recover quickly and adjust. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. It's always a tragedy when someone decides that they must take their own life to get away from their problems.

My only advice is to use this as an opportunity to really take a good look at your own situation and be thankful for what you have.

[Young Al Capone]

Sorry to hear it Voodoo, bad news indeed.

[National Kato]

Late to the thread, Voodoo, but keep fighting the good fight. You do good work.

[Bad Buddha]

Wow! Hard to comprehend. Be strong, dude!

Good time to hop on a motorcycle and go lose yourself on the road for a while. I always find that to be a good place for soul-searching. You may not find any answers, but you get time to think.